Turpin High School sophomore Katie Bercz works at the net during practice Monday in advance of the Division I state tennis tournament.

Written by

Mark Schmetzer
Enquirer contributor

Gail Maundrell barely had to pause before remembering the last time before this year that Turpin was represented at the state tennis tournament.

"It was 2004 - the Geraci girls," the Spartans' coach said, referring to sisters Maureen and Kristin Geraci. "They went in 2002, 2003 and 2004."

Junior Gabby Verdin and sophomore Katie Bercz teamed up this year to end that drought. They earned one of the district's four Division I doubles berths in the 38th annual state tournament, which is scheduled to be played on Friday and Saturday in Columbus. ...